Snakes

04/07/2304/07/23 Dr Renuka, [email protected]; foDr Renuka, [email protected]; for resources in Chemistry and Tamil Literatr resources in Chemistry and Tamil Literature, please visit www.kuiloosal.blogspot.cure, please visit www.kuiloosal.blogspot.comom

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Embrace and Enliven Embrace and Enliven the the

World of Snakes World of Snakes

04/07/23 Dr Renuka, [email protected]; for resources in Chemistry and Tamil Literature, please visit www.kuiloosal.blogspot.com

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11Snake: VarietySnake: Variety


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Variety is the Spice of LifeVariety is the Spice of Life

► From the poisonous From the poisonous types to the pets, types to the pets, snakes come in snakes come in different forms, different forms, sizes, shapes, and sizes, shapes, and colors.colors.


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World Distribution of SnakesWorld Distribution of Snakes

► Snakes occur Snakes occur practically all over the practically all over the world, apart from world, apart from places like Greenland, places like Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica. Iceland, and Antarctica. However, it is in the However, it is in the tropical regions of the tropical regions of the world that most snakes world that most snakes are found. are found.


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Snakes: Big and SmallSnakes: Big and Small► From enormous ones From enormous ones

like the python, which like the python, which can swallow animals as can swallow animals as large as a deer whole, large as a deer whole, to snakes that are just a to snakes that are just a few inches long.few inches long.

► As for the size, while the As for the size, while the anaconda can grow up anaconda can grow up to 38 feet in length, the to 38 feet in length, the brahminy blind snake is brahminy blind snake is just 2 inches long, just 2 inches long, making it the smallest making it the smallest snake. snake. Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy

► Top: Top: http://geology.com/press-release/top-ten-species-2009/smallest-shttp://geology.com/press-release/top-ten-species-2009/smallest-snake.jpgnake.jpg

► Bottom:Bottom:► http://pileofphotos.com/pics/pic_1177049578.jpghttp://pileofphotos.com/pics/pic_1177049578.jpg


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Snakes: HabitatsSnakes: Habitats

► Snakes can be Snakes can be found in all types of found in all types of habitats. While habitats. While some climb trees, some climb trees, others live others live underground, and underground, and still others are still others are found in the waters found in the waters of lakes and even of lakes and even seas. seas.


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Snake: GoodnessSnake: Goodness


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Snake is Older than ManSnake is Older than Man

► Man evolved only after Man evolved only after snake.snake.

► Fossil and Fossil and DNADNA evidence suggests that evidence suggests that the snakes were already the snakes were already around when the around when the first mammalsfirst mammals evolved evolved some 100 million years some 100 million years ago. The ago. The reptilesreptiles were were thus among the first thus among the first serious predators serious predators mammals faced. mammals faced.

► Picture courtesy Picture courtesy ► top:top:► http://www.saudicaves.com/starwell/snake.jpghttp://www.saudicaves.com/starwell/snake.jpg► bottombottom► http://www.twilightearth.com/wp-content/uploads/http://www.twilightearth.com/wp-content/uploads/

2008/12/whitelemuroidpossum.jpg2008/12/whitelemuroidpossum.jpg


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The First SnakesThe First Snakes

► Early snakes killed Early snakes killed their prey using their prey using surprise attacks and surprise attacks and by suffocating them by suffocating them to death—the to death—the method of method of boa constrictorsboa constrictors. .

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://pileofphotos.com/pics/pic_1177049582.jpghttp://pileofphotos.com/pics/pic_1177049582.jpg


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Snakes became Venomous Only Snakes became Venomous Only Later! Later!

► The improved vision of The improved vision of primates, combined primates, combined with other snake-coping with other snake-coping strategies developed by strategies developed by other animals, forced other animals, forced snakes to evolve a new snakes to evolve a new weapon: weapon: venomvenom. This . This important milestone in important milestone in snake evolution snake evolution occurred about 60 occurred about 60 million years ago.million years ago.

► Picture Courtesy: Picture Courtesy: http://funnyhub.com/content_images/5525_2763_snake-http://funnyhub.com/content_images/5525_2763_snake-bites-face.jpgbites-face.jpg


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Snakes became Venomous only Snakes became Venomous only by Compulsion of by Compulsion of Circumstances!!Circumstances!!

► There are around There are around 3000 snake species 3000 snake species in the world, and in the world, and about 375 of these about 375 of these are only venomous. are only venomous.


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3 3 Snake: FeaturesSnake: Features


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Snake: General Anatomic Snake: General Anatomic StructureStructure

Renuka

http://www.bugsinthenews.com/Snake%20Anatomy%20Diagram%20002.jpg


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Color: Why are Snakes Color: Why are Snakes Colored?Colored?

► Snakes occur in a large Snakes occur in a large variety of colors, ranging variety of colors, ranging from dull to brilliant hues from dull to brilliant hues with striking patterns. with striking patterns. Snakes that have dull Snakes that have dull coloring use it for coloring use it for camouflage, while those camouflage, while those that are brightly colored are that are brightly colored are usually poisonous. They use usually poisonous. They use their bright colors to warn their bright colors to warn predators to stay off. Some predators to stay off. Some non-poisonous snakes non-poisonous snakes mimic the patterns and mimic the patterns and bright colors of poisonous bright colors of poisonous snakes to fool predators. snakes to fool predators.

►


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Snake: Cold-bloodedness and Snake: Cold-bloodedness and TopicalityTopicality

► Like all reptiles, snakes are Like all reptiles, snakes are cold-blooded, which means cold-blooded, which means they do not have the ability they do not have the ability of generating adequate of generating adequate amounts of heat in order to amounts of heat in order to keep their body temperature keep their body temperature at a constant level. at a constant level.

► Instead, they are dependent Instead, they are dependent on the heat from their on the heat from their surroundings and the sun to surroundings and the sun to control the temperature of control the temperature of their body. This is the reason their body. This is the reason most snake species are most snake species are found in the humid and warm found in the humid and warm climes of tropical regions. climes of tropical regions.


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Do Snakes have Eyes and Do Snakes have Eyes and Ears?Ears?

► Snakes do not have Snakes do not have any eyelids; any eyelids; instead, a instead, a transparent scale transparent scale protects their eyes. protects their eyes.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy

► http://www.photovault.com/Link/Animals/http://www.photovault.com/Link/Animals/Reptiles/Snakes/ARSVolume01/Reptiles/Snakes/ARSVolume01/ARSV01P04_08B.1713.tn.jpgARSV01P04_08B.1713.tn.jpg


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Snake’s VisionSnake’s Vision► A snake’s vision is mainly used for A snake’s vision is mainly used for

detecting movement of prey. They detecting movement of prey. They have difficulty seeing motionless have difficulty seeing motionless prey or enemies. Objects probably prey or enemies. Objects probably appear as a blur at 40 feet, but at 10 appear as a blur at 40 feet, but at 10 to 15 feet, the objects appear to 15 feet, the objects appear sharper. The vision of many snakes, sharper. The vision of many snakes, like the rattlesnake, is better suited like the rattlesnake, is better suited for nocturnal searching. Some for nocturnal searching. Some species, such as racers and garter species, such as racers and garter snakes, have eyes specialized for snakes, have eyes specialized for daytime activity. Snakes appear to daytime activity. Snakes appear to stare at their prey because they stare at their prey because they have no eyelids. The eyes of snakes have no eyelids. The eyes of snakes are lidless, but are protected by a are lidless, but are protected by a tough, transparent covering, or tough, transparent covering, or scale, that is shed with the skin. The scale, that is shed with the skin. The pupil or the black portion of a pupil or the black portion of a rattlesnake’s eye is elliptical, not rattlesnake’s eye is elliptical, not round as found with the round as found with the nonvenomous snakes.nonvenomous snakes.

► ► (Figure compliments of Missouri (Figure compliments of Missouri

Dept. of Conservation)Dept. of Conservation)


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Blind SnakeBlind Snake

► This species, like This species, like many of the others in many of the others in this family, this family, resembles a long resembles a long earthworm. It lives earthworm. It lives underground in underground in burrows, and since it burrows, and since it has no use for vision, has no use for vision, its eyes are mostly its eyes are mostly vestigialvestigial. .

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/

Leptotyphlops_humilis.jpg/240px-Leptotyphlops_humilis.jpgLeptotyphlops_humilis.jpg/240px-Leptotyphlops_humilis.jpg


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Snake: HearingSnake: Hearing

► Snakes do not have Snakes do not have external ears and are external ears and are probably deaf to probably deaf to most sounds.most sounds.

► They "hear" by They "hear" by sensing ground sensing ground vibrations with their vibrations with their belly scales and belly scales and lower jaw.lower jaw.

► Picture courtesy:Picture courtesy:► Top: Top: ► http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/STK/STK021/PCL17794.jhttp://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/STK/STK021/PCL17794.j

pgpg► BottomBottom► http://www.molon.de/galleries/India/Rajahstan/http://www.molon.de/galleries/India/Rajahstan/

Jaipur/Misc/images01/07%20Cobra%20andJaipur/Misc/images01/07%20Cobra%20and%20snake%20charmer.jpg%20snake%20charmer.jpg


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Snakes can Smell Snakes can Smell ► Snakes have elongated Snakes have elongated

movable forked mouthpart movable forked mouthpart (tongue-like) having (tongue-like) having olfactory, tactile, and olfactory, tactile, and gustatory functions; it is not gustatory functions; it is not used to ingest foodused to ingest food

► Snakes use their forked Snakes use their forked tongue to smell. tongue to smell.

► The tongue gathers The tongue gathers particles that are airborne particles that are airborne which it then passes to the which it then passes to the Jacobson’s Organ, a Jacobson’s Organ, a specialized organ located on specialized organ located on the roof of the snake’s the roof of the snake’s mouth. mouth. . .

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/

StaticFiles/animals/images/150/Snake%20gallery%20imagesStaticFiles/animals/images/150/Snake%20gallery%20images%20150/snake-tongue-tn.jpg%20150/snake-tongue-tn.jpg


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Meticulous Detection of PreyMeticulous Detection of Prey

► Pit organs enable a Pit organs enable a snake to locate prey by snake to locate prey by the body heat the the body heat the animal gives off. As the animal gives off. As the snake moves its head snake moves its head from side to side, the pit from side to side, the pit organs detect changes organs detect changes in the air temperature. in the air temperature. The snake can The snake can accurately direct its accurately direct its strike even in the dark. strike even in the dark.

► Picture courtesy:Picture courtesy:► World Book diagram by Patricia J. WynneWorld Book diagram by Patricia J. Wynne


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Swallow Huge PreysSwallow Huge Preys

► Snakes have the Snakes have the unique ability of unique ability of swallowing prey three swallowing prey three times larger than their times larger than their mouth. They can do mouth. They can do this because the this because the special tendons located special tendons located in their mouth are in their mouth are highly stretchable and highly stretchable and because the two halves because the two halves of their jaws are not of their jaws are not attached to each other attached to each other rigidly. rigidly.


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Hollow Fangs Inject VenomHollow Fangs Inject Venom

► The teeth of The teeth of venomous vipers, venomous vipers, adders, mambas and adders, mambas and cobras include hollow cobras include hollow fangs that inject fangs that inject tissue-digesting tissue-digesting and/or neurotoxic and/or neurotoxic venom, under venom, under pressure, via tubes pressure, via tubes attached to venom attached to venom sacs positioned in the sacs positioned in the lateral posterior of the lateral posterior of the head.head.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://visual.merriam-webster.com/images/animal-kingdom/reptiles/http://visual.merriam-webster.com/images/animal-kingdom/reptiles/

snake/morphology-venomous-snake-head.jpgsnake/morphology-venomous-snake-head.jpg

Renuka

Cytotoxins, which initiate the digestion of the prey even before it is swallowed, are the most primitive form of venom. The poison destroys cells—especially those in muscles—so they die and tissue collapses. Some types attack specific cardiac muscles, causing heart failure, while others have more widespread effects. Powerful venoms of this type are found in American rattlesnakes, among others. Someone who’s been bitten and survives may still end up with disfigured fingers, toes, arms or legs; requiring amputation in severe cases.


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Snake has More than 200 Snake has More than 200 TeethTeeth

►Snakes have more Snakes have more than 200 teeth, than 200 teeth, which they do not which they do not use to chew, since use to chew, since they point they point backwards, but backwards, but bite and grip their bite and grip their prey securely. prey securely.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► Top: Top: http://www.bugsinthenews.com/Head_with_teeth.jpghttp://www.bugsinthenews.com/Head_with_teeth.jpg► Bottom: http://www.bugsinthenews.com/Cottonmouth%20gapeBottom: http://www.bugsinthenews.com/Cottonmouth%20gape

%2001%203%20annot.jpg%2001%203%20annot.jpg


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Snake’s Diet ControlSnake’s Diet Control

► Snakes have the ability of Snakes have the ability of surviving without food for surviving without food for many days at a stretch many days at a stretch after having a filling meal. after having a filling meal. This is because they have This is because they have a slow rate of a slow rate of metabolism. In fact, the metabolism. In fact, the King Cobra, for example, King Cobra, for example, can go for months can go for months without food. without food.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy

► http://www.google.com/images?http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:39C4WyGW2RmeBM::www.avidpets.com/images/q=tbn:39C4WyGW2RmeBM::www.avidpets.com/images/ballpython.jpg&h=94&w=130&usg=__ZtOm72HHrVi56hTcRqzballpython.jpg&h=94&w=130&usg=__ZtOm72HHrVi56hTcRqz1V5a9Zrk=1V5a9Zrk=


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4 4 Snake: MoltingSnake: Molting

Renuka

Snake SheddingAlbino Python picture Shedding is the process by which snakes periodically discard the outer portion of their skin. This activity is under hormonal control and associated with growth. Most snakes shed their skin 4-8 times per year. The frequency of shedding depends upon many factors, including environmental temperature, frequency of feeding, amount fed at each feeding, and activity level. Young snakes shed more frequently than older ones because growth is relatively rapid in the first few years of life.Healthly snakes usually have little or no difficulty with shedding and tend to shed their skins in one entire piece. Exceptions to this include snakes with injuries to the skin and/or scales resulting in scarring, and snakes housed in enclosures with suboptimal temperature and/or relative humidity levels.The stresses associated with shedding can be substantial. Sick snakes, those suffering from malnutrition, or those whose health has been directly or indirectly compromised by poor husbandry experience delayed and incomplete sheds. These snakes tend to shed their skins in pieces. In fact, many of the pieces remain adhered to the underlying skin and eyes (retained eye caps).The shedding process is preceded by a period of relative inactivity. This period usually lasts 1-2 weeks, during which time the eyes begin to exhibit a dull, bluish-white appearance. During this period, the snake's vision is impaired, which causes them to be rather unpredictable and sometimes aggressive. The skin during this period tends to have an overall dull appearance. The underlying new skin is soft and vulnerable to damage while the outer layers prepare to slough away.The eyes again become transparent after 7-15 days and shedding commences. A snake will make use of any rough objects or surfaces within its enclosure to help shed the skin. Shedding commences with the skin of the head. Once the snake has loosened and dislodged the skin surrounding the mouth and overlying the rostrum (nose), it then passes between rough objects that can trap the loose skin and hold it as the snake glides out of the "old" skin. Discarded skin appears dry and tube-like or moist and crumpled in a solitary heap. Many snakes defecate after a successful shed, or consume large quantities of water


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Molting or EcdysisMolting or Ecdysis

► Just like us, snakes Just like us, snakes constantly grow new skin constantly grow new skin cells and must shed the old cells and must shed the old skin cells. We shed our old skin cells. We shed our old skin cells continuously in skin cells continuously in small quantities, but snakes small quantities, but snakes shed their old skins in a shed their old skins in a continuous sheet (a process continuous sheet (a process called ecdysis). called ecdysis).

► Picture courtesy;Picture courtesy;► http://z.about.com/d/exoticpets/1/G/A/J/1/snakeskin_imageafter.JPGhttp://z.about.com/d/exoticpets/1/G/A/J/1/snakeskin_imageafter.JPG


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Molting: The Transmutation Molting: The Transmutation ProcessProcess

► Many religious Many religious philosophers believe philosophers believe that the that the transmutation of transmutation of birth-death-rebirth birth-death-rebirth cycle is exemplified cycle is exemplified by the shedding of by the shedding of snake’s skin. snake’s skin.


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Molting Frequency Molting Frequency

► A snake indulges in molting A snake indulges in molting approximately 4 to 8 times per approximately 4 to 8 times per year.year.

► The interval between sheds The interval between sheds depends on several factors, depends on several factors, including age, growth rate, and including age, growth rate, and environmental factors. Young, environmental factors. Young, growing snakes shed frequently growing snakes shed frequently (every few weeks); adult snakes (every few weeks); adult snakes shed less often, perhaps a few shed less often, perhaps a few times a year, sometimes less. times a year, sometimes less.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:g8ATF-http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:g8ATF-

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Signs of a Snake Ready to Signs of a Snake Ready to Molt Molt

► Eyes turn a cloudy, bluish color (the Eyes turn a cloudy, bluish color (the eye cap, a specially adapted scale eye cap, a specially adapted scale which covers the eye, is loosened up which covers the eye, is loosened up in order to be shed along with the in order to be shed along with the skin, which causes this change). Just skin, which causes this change). Just prior to shedding, the eyes will clear prior to shedding, the eyes will clear up again. up again.

► Skin becomes dull or hazy in Skin becomes dull or hazy in appearance (sometimes the belly appearance (sometimes the belly may appear a little pink at first) may appear a little pink at first)

► Your snake may hide more than usual Your snake may hide more than usual and go off food. and go off food.

► Your snake may become more Your snake may become more skittish or defensive because it can't skittish or defensive because it can't see well. see well.

► When your snake is ready to shed, he When your snake is ready to shed, he or she will seek out rough surfaces in or she will seek out rough surfaces in the enclosure to help rub the skin off. the enclosure to help rub the skin off.

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► TopTop► http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4687785/96641-http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4687785/96641-

main_Full.jpgmain_Full.jpg► BottomBottom► http://www.snakepictures.co.uk/images/http://www.snakepictures.co.uk/images/

snake_picture_111.jpgsnake_picture_111.jpg


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Molting: The Discarded SkinMolting: The Discarded Skin► Snakes shed their skin by Snakes shed their skin by

rubbing their head rubbing their head against something rough against something rough and hard, like a piece of and hard, like a piece of wood or a rock. This wood or a rock. This causes the skin, which is causes the skin, which is already stretched, to split already stretched, to split open. The snake keeps on open. The snake keeps on rubbing its skin on various rubbing its skin on various rough objects, resulting in rough objects, resulting in the skin peeling off from the skin peeling off from its head, enabling it to its head, enabling it to crawl out, turning the skin crawl out, turning the skin inside out. inside out.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://www.snakepictures.co.uk/images/snake_picture_113.jpghttp://www.snakepictures.co.uk/images/snake_picture_113.jpg


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5 5 Snake: Skeleton and HoodSnake: Skeleton and Hood


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Snake Head: Wonderful Snake Head: Wonderful Technological PieceTechnological Piece

► Look at the precise Look at the precise engineering principlesengineering principles

laden in the structure of laden in the structure of a snake’s skull.a snake’s skull.

► The skeleton of a The skeleton of a snake, though snake, though sometimes described sometimes described as a simple as a simple structure, is anything structure, is anything but. A complicated--but. A complicated--architecturally and architecturally and functionally--skull at functionally--skull at its headits head


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Snake: Skeleton – High Snake: Skeleton – High TechnologyTechnology

► The head is followed, to The head is followed, to the tail, by at least five the tail, by at least five divisions of vertebral divisions of vertebral structures. First come structures. First come two un-ribbed "Atlas" two un-ribbed "Atlas" vertebrae, followed by 1-vertebrae, followed by 1-3 un-ribbed neck 3 un-ribbed neck vertebrae. Next follow vertebrae. Next follow from 100-600 ribbed mid-from 100-600 ribbed mid-body vertebrae and 2-10 body vertebrae and 2-10 un-ribbed pre-pelvic and un-ribbed pre-pelvic and pelvic vertebrae. These pelvic vertebrae. These are attached to a variable are attached to a variable number of un-ribbed tail number of un-ribbed tail vertebrae that are often vertebrae that are often modified, individually and modified, individually and collectively, to perform collectively, to perform specialized functions specialized functions peculiar to the species. peculiar to the species.


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Snake: Skeleton – the Snake: Skeleton – the FlexibilityFlexibility

► Mid-body ribs--only the mid-Mid-body ribs--only the mid-body vertebrae have ribs--body vertebrae have ribs--attach to and articulate with attach to and articulate with the mid-body vertebrae, and the mid-body vertebrae, and laterally, with each other. This laterally, with each other. This leaves their tips, that stretch to leaves their tips, that stretch to the snake's belly region, the snake's belly region, unattached. Such an unattached. Such an arrangement gives the snake arrangement gives the snake considerable ability to expand considerable ability to expand its girth to swallow prey and its girth to swallow prey and convey it down the gullet, to convey it down the gullet, to the stomach, into the small and the stomach, into the small and large intestines, and finally to large intestines, and finally to the anal cavity, from which the anal cavity, from which residual, unmetabolized, waste residual, unmetabolized, waste matter is expelled.matter is expelled.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/clipart/uk/dk/http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/clipart/uk/dk/

nature/image_nature024.jpgnature/image_nature024.jpg


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The Mysterious HoodThe Mysterious Hood

► When disturbed, most When disturbed, most of these snakes can of these snakes can rear up and spread rear up and spread their neck (or hood) in their neck (or hood) in a characteristic threat a characteristic threat display. However, not display. However, not all snakes referred to all snakes referred to as cobras are of the as cobras are of the same genus, or even same genus, or even of the same family. of the same family.

Renuka

A cobra (Br-Cobra.ogg pronunciation (help·info)) is a venomous snake, which is a member of the family Elapidae (elapids). The name is short for cobra de capelo (or cobra di capello), which is Portuguese for "snake with hood," or "hood-snake.


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Snake: The Unintelligent Snake: The Unintelligent BrainBrain

► The snake's brain (in The snake's brain (in structure) is very similar to structure) is very similar to a bird's brain but the snakes a bird's brain but the snakes lacks the enlarged cerebral lacks the enlarged cerebral hemispheres found in birds hemispheres found in birds and mammals. The cerebral and mammals. The cerebral is the part of the brain, is the part of the brain, which contains the learning. which contains the learning.

► Sine the absence of the Sine the absence of the cerebral hemispheres, it is cerebral hemispheres, it is correct to say that snakes correct to say that snakes aren't very intelligent. But aren't very intelligent. But they can learn a fair they can learn a fair amount. Some snakes have amount. Some snakes have learnt when their feeding learnt when their feeding times are and often the times are and often the owner will find them owner will find them waiting. waiting.


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6 6 Snake: DrapeSnake: Drape


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Snake SkinSnake Skin► A snake's skin A snake's skin

consists of a scaly consists of a scaly integument that integument that protects the animal protects the animal from abrasion and from abrasion and prevents water loss. prevents water loss. The integument on The integument on the snake's back and the snake's back and sides is thinner than sides is thinner than that of the belly. that of the belly. Scales on the back Scales on the back and sides are more and sides are more numerous than belly numerous than belly scales and are either scales and are either smooth or keeled with smooth or keeled with noticeable ridges.noticeable ridges.


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Belly ScalesBelly Scales► Belly scales, also referred to Belly scales, also referred to

as scutes, are thick and as scutes, are thick and large, and are commonly large, and are commonly arranged in narrow strips arranged in narrow strips that extend from one side of that extend from one side of the belly to the other; under-the belly to the other; under-tail scales--those extending tail scales--those extending beyond the snake's venter--beyond the snake's venter--are either singular like those are either singular like those of the belly, divided, or of the belly, divided, or initially singular then initially singular then divided; the particular divided; the particular arrangement of the under-arrangement of the under-tail scales is distinctive to a tail scales is distinctive to a species. species.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► Top: Top: ► http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:--http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:--

tTP8n_57GHiM::img2.photographersdirect.com/img/25343/tTP8n_57GHiM::img2.photographersdirect.com/img/25343/wm/pd2390017.jpg&h=94&w=141&usg=__bNuFyktc_ndXewm/pd2390017.jpg&h=94&w=141&usg=__bNuFyktc_ndXepYxBMhJRcXs9Gs= pYxBMhJRcXs9Gs=

► Bottom: http://www.google.com/images?Bottom: http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:wRD6vP6MRWeBRM::museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/q=tbn:wRD6vP6MRWeBRM::museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/nature/snakes/nature/snakes/img0015.jpg&h=94&w=142&usg=__LRrChXLoBNfHSTpsoOimg0015.jpg&h=94&w=142&usg=__LRrChXLoBNfHSTpsoO0LVkB14gg=0LVkB14gg=


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77Snake: Coiling NatureSnake: Coiling Nature


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Snakes Coil for Reasons Snakes Coil for Reasons

► Snakes coil in order to Snakes coil in order to contain their body contain their body within a controllable within a controllable spacespace

► Second, being cold-Second, being cold-blooded, in order to blooded, in order to conserve their heat, conserve their heat, snakes coil up tightly, snakes coil up tightly, so that only a small so that only a small portion of their skin is portion of their skin is exposed to colder air. exposed to colder air.


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Snakes Coil for ReasonsSnakes Coil for Reasons► Third, snakes also coil Third, snakes also coil

for moving/acting swiftly for moving/acting swiftly and energetically. The and energetically. The principle behind coiling principle behind coiling is “spring action.”is “spring action.”

► The more a spring is The more a spring is compressed, the more it compressed, the more it can expand. Same can expand. Same principle for snakes.principle for snakes.

► The more they coil, the The more they coil, the faster and farther they faster and farther they can strike at prey or can strike at prey or predator. predator.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://pileofphotos.com/view/18/Snakes-in-attack-modehttp://pileofphotos.com/view/18/Snakes-in-attack-mode


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Snakes Coil for SeasonsSnakes Coil for Seasons

► When conditions become When conditions become too cold, snakes seek out too cold, snakes seek out protected sites, such as protected sites, such as underground dens, where underground dens, where they pass the winter in a they pass the winter in a state of reduced activity state of reduced activity similar to similar to hibernationhibernation. .

► Top: Snakes getting into Top: Snakes getting into hibernationhibernation

► Bottom: Snakes emerging Bottom: Snakes emerging from hibernationfrom hibernation

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://www.ardea.com/cache/tcache2/80021233.JPGhttp://www.ardea.com/cache/tcache2/80021233.JPG► Bottom: http://www.ardea.com/cache/pcache/00003298.jpgBottom: http://www.ardea.com/cache/pcache/00003298.jpg

Renuka

In areas with freezing temperatures, snakes shelter in crevices that penetrate far enough below the soil surface to avoid freezing. Usually solitary animals, some snakes gather in large numbers in underground dens during the winter, but this is due to a shortage of suitable sites rather than social attraction. In the Canadian province of Manitoba, thousands of red-sided garter snakes gather each fall to spend the seven-month winter together in limestone caverns. Throughout the rest of the year, they disperse many kilometers to their summer home ranges, living solitary lives until the time comes for them to return to their winter den.


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Coiling Nature: Left or RightCoiling Nature: Left or Right► Adult snakes (16 of 20 snakes) preferred to Adult snakes (16 of 20 snakes) preferred to

coil in the clockwise direction. Many coil in the clockwise direction. Many female snakes (15 of 20 snakes), but few female snakes (15 of 20 snakes), but few male snakes (only 4 of 10 snakes), also male snakes (only 4 of 10 snakes), also tended to coil in a clockwise pattern. tended to coil in a clockwise pattern.

► Dr. Roth suggests that the location of Dr. Roth suggests that the location of internal organs such as the lungs, kidney internal organs such as the lungs, kidney and stomach may affect coiling direction. and stomach may affect coiling direction. For example, in some snakes, the right For example, in some snakes, the right lung is pushed aside by the stomach and lung is pushed aside by the stomach and the left lung is smaller than the right lung. the left lung is smaller than the right lung. These anatomical features may influence These anatomical features may influence coiling direction so that the snake can coiling direction so that the snake can maximize behaviors such as striking or maximize behaviors such as striking or regulating body temperature. Coiling regulating body temperature. Coiling direction may also be influenced by direction may also be influenced by differences in the anatomy of the right and differences in the anatomy of the right and left sides of the snake brain. Just as left sides of the snake brain. Just as humans have a right or left humans have a right or left brain dominancebrain dominance for many behaviors, for many behaviors, snakes may also have brain asymmetries snakes may also have brain asymmetries to control what they do. to control what they do.

► Roth, E.D., 'Handedness' in snakes? Roth, E.D., 'Handedness' in snakes? Lateralization of coiling behaviour in a Lateralization of coiling behaviour in a cottonmouth, cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostomaleucostoma, population. , population. Animal BehaviourAnimal Behaviour, , 66:337-341, 2003. 66:337-341, 2003.


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88Snake LocomotionSnake Locomotion


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Snake Walks Without LegsSnake Walks Without Legs

► Snakes are highly Snakes are highly evolved reptiles. They evolved reptiles. They move quickly without move quickly without legs, which gives them legs, which gives them some advantage over some advantage over reptiles that push reptiles that push themselves along with themselves along with legs while dragging legs while dragging their bellies on the their bellies on the ground. But how is it ground. But how is it possible to move possible to move without legs?without legs?


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The Crawling StylesThe Crawling Styles

► Although we usually say Although we usually say that snakes crawl, they can that snakes crawl, they can actually move in different actually move in different waysways

► Serpentine movement, Serpentine movement, Concertina movement, Concertina movement, Rectilinear creeping, and Rectilinear creeping, and Sidewinding. Sidewinding.

► The type of movement used The type of movement used depends largely on the depends largely on the terrain.terrain.Picture courtesyPicture courtesy

► http://www.google.com/images?http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:A1cR4K9tWInkUM::www.coral-q=tbn:A1cR4K9tWInkUM::www.coral-snake.com/images/snake.com/images/clip_image004_0001.jpg&h=94&w=87&usg=__clip_image004_0001.jpg&h=94&w=87&usg=__AZMUwkiwE9IXVDmZpZxJcz1hehw=AZMUwkiwE9IXVDmZpZxJcz1hehw=


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Serpentine MovementSerpentine Movement► The most common type of The most common type of

snake movement is called snake movement is called lateral undulation, or lateral undulation, or serpentine movement. serpentine movement.

► In this style of movement, a In this style of movement, a snake alternately tightens snake alternately tightens and relaxes a set of muscles and relaxes a set of muscles along each side of its body along each side of its body to produce horizontal waves to produce horizontal waves that travel down the body. that travel down the body. At the same time, the snake At the same time, the snake orients itself so that its tail orients itself so that its tail pushes against a resisting pushes against a resisting force, such as land, water, force, such as land, water, or tree branches. Moving in or tree branches. Moving in this way, some snakes this way, some snakes achieve speeds up to 10 achieve speeds up to 10 km/h (6 mph). km/h (6 mph).


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99Snake: Moral and Spiritual Snake: Moral and Spiritual

SignificanceSignificance


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Snake: The Creator of Human Snake: The Creator of Human CivilizationCivilization

► More commonly in More commonly in Christianity, the serpent has Christianity, the serpent has been seen as a been seen as a representative of representative of evilevil and and sly plotting, which can be sly plotting, which can be seen in the description in seen in the description in GenesisGenesis chapter 3 of a chapter 3 of a snake in the snake in the Garden of EdenGarden of Eden tempting tempting EveEve. . Saint PatrickSaint Patrick is reputed to have expelled is reputed to have expelled all snakes from Ireland while all snakes from Ireland while Christianising the country in Christianising the country in the 5th century, thus the 5th century, thus explaining the absence of explaining the absence of snakes there.snakes there.

► Picture Courtesy:Picture Courtesy:► http://t2.gstatic.com/images?http://t2.gstatic.com/images?

q=tbn:GRfKWM6rxWXZgM:http://www.christusrex.org/www1/q=tbn:GRfKWM6rxWXZgM:http://www.christusrex.org/www1/sistine/6-Serpent.jpgsistine/6-Serpent.jpg


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Snake: Integral Part of Church Snake: Integral Part of Church WorshipWorship

► However, in Christianity, However, in Christianity, Christ's redemptive Christ's redemptive work is compared to work is compared to saving one's life through saving one's life through beholding the Serpent of beholding the Serpent of brass (Gospel of John brass (Gospel of John 3:14). Snake handlers 3:14). Snake handlers use snakes as an use snakes as an integral part of church integral part of church worship in order to worship in order to exhibit their faith in exhibit their faith in divine protection. divine protection.


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Snake Worship Precedes Idol Snake Worship Precedes Idol WorshipWorship

Snakes have occupied a special niche in Snakes have occupied a special niche in human lifehuman life


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Snake: Psychic EnergySnake: Psychic Energy► Generally, Snake represents Generally, Snake represents

wisdom, rebirth, initiation and wisdom, rebirth, initiation and resurrection. Both the Celts and resurrection. Both the Celts and Native Americans believed Snake Native Americans believed Snake symbolizes transmutation, the symbolizes transmutation, the ability to alter appearance nature, ability to alter appearance nature, and form, particularly to higher and form, particularly to higher ones.ones.

► Snake totem is the power of Snake totem is the power of creation and embodies immortality creation and embodies immortality and psychic energy. He has fire and psychic energy. He has fire energy which, emotionally, are energy which, emotionally, are charisma, intellect, power and the charisma, intellect, power and the intellect; spiritually, connection intellect; spiritually, connection with Spirit, wisdom, wholeness and with Spirit, wisdom, wholeness and understanding. On the physical understanding. On the physical level, they are vitality and passion.level, they are vitality and passion.

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► https://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/30/https://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/30/

nag_1.jpgnag_1.jpg


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Snake: Symbol of Health and Snake: Symbol of Health and WealthWealth

► The Hindu people The Hindu people believe that Snake Gods believe that Snake Gods are associated with are associated with wealth and healthy life wealth and healthy life and they will act as great and they will act as great securities when the securities when the people meet difficulties people meet difficulties in their life. It is also in their life. It is also believed that Snake believed that Snake Gods are having Gods are having separate world and Shri separate world and Shri Nagarajan (male kobra) Nagarajan (male kobra) and Shri Nagarani and Shri Nagarani (female kobra) are (female kobra) are ruling that world. ruling that world.


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Snake: The Healing PowerSnake: The Healing Power

► To the Celts, Adder To the Celts, Adder symbolized symbolized transmutation, life’s transmutation, life’s energy and healing. He energy and healing. He signifies getting rid old signifies getting rid old the old for the better the old for the better new, reincarnation, new, reincarnation, wisdom and cunning.wisdom and cunning.

►

Further reading Further reading http://paganismwicca.shttp://paganismwicca.suite101.com/article.cfmuite101.com/article.cfm/snake_pagan_symbol_t/snake_pagan_symbol_transmutation#ixzz0QQransmutation#ixzz0QQTYnPR9TYnPR9

► Statue of Asclepius in Statue of Asclepius in the the PergamonPergamon Museum Museum, , BerlinBerlin

Renuka

Asclepius, the son of Apollo and Koronis, learned the secrets of keeping death at bay after observing one serpent bringing another (which Asclepius himself had fatally wounded) healing herbs. To prevent the entire human race from becoming immortal under Asclepius's care, Zeus killed him with a bolt of lightning. Asclepius' death at the hands of Zeus illustrates man's inability to challenge the natural order that separates mortal men from the gods. In honor of Asclepius, snakes were often used in healing rituals. Non-poisonous snakes were left to crawl on the floor in dormitories where the sick and injured slept. In The Library, Apollodorus claimed that Athena gave Asclepius a vial of blood from the Gorgons. Gorgon blood had magical properties: if taken from the left side of the Gorgon, it was a fatal poison; from the right side, the blood was capable of bringing the dead back to life. However Euripides wrote in his tragedy Ion that the Athenian queen Creusa had inherited this vial from her ancestor Erichthonios, who was a snake himself and receiving the vial from Athena. In this version the blood of Medusa had the healing power while the lethal poison originated from Medusa's serpents.


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Snake: The Magical PowerSnake: The Magical Power► The English believed the The English believed the

skin had magical skin had magical properties. It could draw properties. It could draw thorns from the body, thorns from the body, hung on the chimney hung on the chimney attracted luck and hung attracted luck and hung on the rafters, on the rafters, prevented fires. To see prevented fires. To see Adder near the front Adder near the front door was a death omen.door was a death omen.

► Native Americans also Native Americans also believed that snake believed that snake symbolized symbolized transmutation. transmutation.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://blogs.tampabay.com/.a/http://blogs.tampabay.com/.a/

6a00d83451b05569e20120a519b7b2970b-600wi6a00d83451b05569e20120a519b7b2970b-600wi


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Snake: The Symbol of Snake: The Symbol of ConsciousnessConsciousness

► ““Snake molting Snake molting symbolizes the symbolizes the energy of energy of wholeness, wholeness, consciousness, and consciousness, and the ability to the ability to experience anything experience anything willingly without willingly without resistance.”resistance.”

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://www.usefilm.com/images/6/0/1/5/6015/1539966-http://www.usefilm.com/images/6/0/1/5/6015/1539966-

medium.jpgmedium.jpg


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Snake: Symbol of Supreme Snake: Symbol of Supreme NatureNature

► It is the knowledge It is the knowledge that all things are that all things are equal in creation equal in creation ---”---”

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f8/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f8/

Buddha_shielded_by_Naga.jpg/180px-Buddha_shielded_by_Naga.jpg/180px-Buddha_shielded_by_Naga.jpgBuddha_shielded_by_Naga.jpg


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1010 Snake in Art and Culture: Snake in Art and Culture:

Snake DanceSnake Dance


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Snake Dance: An Integral Snake Dance: An Integral Component of World’s Component of World’s

Performing ArtsPerforming Arts

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://4.bp.blogshttp://4.bp.blogs► pot.com/_kxtHoOEH1a8/SPdbipp88VI/AAAAAAAAH6k/8C-R6Tb-pot.com/_kxtHoOEH1a8/SPdbipp88VI/AAAAAAAAH6k/8C-R6Tb-

8F0/s320/snake_dance.jpg8F0/s320/snake_dance.jpg


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Snake Dance: Popular Even Snake Dance: Popular Even Today Today

Snakes are so blended withSnakes are so blended withthe culture of people that inthe culture of people that invarious parts of the world, snakevarious parts of the world, snakedance is a tradition art form.dance is a tradition art form.

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://z.hubpages.com/u/881796_f520.jpghttp://z.hubpages.com/u/881796_f520.jpg


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11 11 Snake: ReproductionSnake: Reproduction


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Mating and CopulationMating and Copulation

► Snake mate so that they Snake mate so that they can have babiescan have babies

► Copulation and Copulation and Fertilization lead to the Fertilization lead to the development of the development of the babies.babies.

► Videos cited below show Videos cited below show how snakes matehow snakes mate

► www.youtube.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgP7QcBxZpMwatch?v=RgP7QcBxZpM

► www.youtube.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn1yrhBmj4gwatch?v=jn1yrhBmj4g


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Fertilization ModesFertilization Modes

► Snakes produce offspring in 2 basic Snakes produce offspring in 2 basic ways:ways:

► Giving birth to young ones (viviparous)Giving birth to young ones (viviparous)► Egg-laying (oviparous)Egg-laying (oviparous)► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://www.snakeeducation.com/photos/snakes/PineSnake%20website%20size%20Sept%2006.JPGhttp://www.snakeeducation.com/photos/snakes/PineSnake%20website%20size%20Sept%2006.JPG


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Viviparous ReproductionViviparous Reproduction► The first involves The first involves

development of the fertilized development of the fertilized eggs within the body of the eggs within the body of the female. When the embryos female. When the embryos are fully developed, the are fully developed, the offspring are born, appearing offspring are born, appearing like miniature adults. Boa like miniature adults. Boa constrictors, water and constrictors, water and garter snakes, and garter snakes, and rattlesnakes are live bearing rattlesnakes are live bearing species and are considered species and are considered ovoviviparous. ovoviviparous.

• For mating and birth of For mating and birth of snakes, view the snakes, view the following video following video videovideo.nationalgeographic.co.nationalgeographic.com/m/videovideo/player/animals/repti/player/animals/reptiles-animals/les-animals/snakessnakes//cobra_reproduction.htmlcobra_reproduction.html - -


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Oviparous ReproductionOviparous Reproduction► The second method involves The second method involves

deposition of oblong, deposition of oblong, leathery-shelled eggs within leathery-shelled eggs within the environment, where the the environment, where the eggs incubate. At the eggs incubate. At the completion of embryonic completion of embryonic development, the eggs hatch, development, the eggs hatch, producing miniature adults. producing miniature adults. Pythons and rat and mild Pythons and rat and mild snakes are egg layers, and snakes are egg layers, and are considered oviparous. In are considered oviparous. In either case, the newborn or either case, the newborn or newly hatched can fend for newly hatched can fend for themselves and receive no themselves and receive no parental nurturing. parental nurturing.

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► TopTop► http://www.reptileworld.net.au/news%20pics/Snakehttp://www.reptileworld.net.au/news%20pics/Snake

%20Hatching.JPG%20Hatching.JPG► BottomBottom► http://pileofphotos.com/pics/pic_1177049585.jpghttp://pileofphotos.com/pics/pic_1177049585.jpg


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1212Snake LongevitySnake Longevity


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Snakes: Live LongSnakes: Live Long

► It is interesting to It is interesting to learn that snakes are learn that snakes are capable of living for capable of living for more than 30 years more than 30 years in captivity.in captivity.

► Pythons and boas Pythons and boas live the longest live the longest around 50 years in around 50 years in captivitycaptivity

► Under natural Under natural conditions, they conditions, they would live longerwould live longer


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Snakes Grow For EverSnakes Grow For Ever

► Snakes continue Snakes continue to grow to grow throughout their throughout their lives, and the lives, and the largest specimens largest specimens of a species are of a species are usually the usually the oldest.oldest.

► http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_image/http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_image/files/articlfiles/articl

► es/rattlesnake_cytotox.jpges/rattlesnake_cytotox.jpg


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1313Snakes are PreciousSnakes are Precious


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Man Kills Snakes MercilesslyMan Kills Snakes Mercilessly

► Man has been the Man has been the greatest destroyer greatest destroyer of snakesof snakes

► Snakes are being Snakes are being killed by human killed by human beings for no good beings for no good reasonsreasons

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/snakes-on-a-plane-5(1).jpghttp://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/snakes-on-a-plane-5(1).jpg


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Killing ContinuesKilling Continues► Some of the species of snakes Some of the species of snakes

are actually are actually endangered. These endangered. These endangered species are:endangered species are:• The San Francisco Garter • The San Francisco Garter snake that is found in snake that is found in California.California.• Eastern Indigo snake: Found • Eastern Indigo snake: Found in Alabamain Alabama• The King Cobra: Found in • The King Cobra: Found in India, the Philippines, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Malaysia, southeast Asiasoutheast Asia and and southern China.southern China.• Dumeril’s Boa: Found in • Dumeril’s Boa: Found in Madagascar. Madagascar.

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/images/stories/http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/images/stories/

reptiles/snakes/Heterodon_nasicus_Western_Hognose_Snake/reptiles/snakes/Heterodon_nasicus_Western_Hognose_Snake/Heterodon_nasicus_Western_hognose_snake_ventral_03_02.jpgHeterodon_nasicus_Western_hognose_snake_ventral_03_02.jpg


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Man is Afraid of SnakesMan is Afraid of Snakes► New research by New research by

psychologists suggests psychologists suggests we are born ready to we are born ready to look for snakes. As this look for snakes. As this video reports, a series video reports, a series of experiments showed of experiments showed that people, even that people, even toddlers, tend to toddlers, tend to recognize and locate a recognize and locate a snake faster than other snake faster than other plants and animals. plants and animals.

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://fohn.net/corn-snake-pictures-facts/corn-snake-pictures/http://fohn.net/corn-snake-pictures-facts/corn-snake-pictures/

snow-corn-snake.jpgsnow-corn-snake.jpg

►


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Save Snakes for a Better Save Snakes for a Better WorldWorld

► Snakes are actually friendly creatures.Snakes are actually friendly creatures.► In fact they are afraid of us, the human beings.In fact they are afraid of us, the human beings.► They try to keep themselves awayThey try to keep themselves away► From human beingsFrom human beings► But man kills snakes for he/she has fear for snakes.But man kills snakes for he/she has fear for snakes.► This fear should go.This fear should go.► Not all snakes are venomousNot all snakes are venomous► By learning about poisonous snakes and about how By learning about poisonous snakes and about how

to identify them, we can always protect ourselves to identify them, we can always protect ourselves from them because a snake even if it is venomous from them because a snake even if it is venomous tries to escape from us unless it is absolutely tries to escape from us unless it is absolutely necessary for it to bite or attack usnecessary for it to bite or attack us

► Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy► http://comps.fotosearch.com/comp/IGS/IGS736/woman-taking-picture_~IS713-010.jpghttp://comps.fotosearch.com/comp/IGS/IGS736/woman-taking-picture_~IS713-010.jpg


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Our Fear of Snakes is Baseless: Our Fear of Snakes is Baseless: Let Us Get Rid of Snake FearLet Us Get Rid of Snake Fear

► Because we evolved much Because we evolved much later to snakes and because later to snakes and because we frequently see snakes we frequently see snakes and because we are aware and because we are aware that at least some of them that at least some of them are venomous, we have are venomous, we have developed about snakes. It is developed about snakes. It is a baseless fear.a baseless fear.

► Let us get rid of it.Let us get rid of it.► Let us embrace snakes with Let us embrace snakes with

fond and concernfond and concern► They are lovable creatures, They are lovable creatures,

magnanimous, and magnanimous, and wonderfulwonderful

► Let us protect them in our Let us protect them in our fold fold

► Picture courtesyPicture courtesy► http://shoutaboutcarolina.com/wp-content/uploads/http://shoutaboutcarolina.com/wp-content/uploads/

2009/01/peting-a-python-thats-constricting-its-prey-2009/01/peting-a-python-thats-constricting-its-prey-300x225.jpg300x225.jpg


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Picture CourtesyPicture Courtesy Slide 37Slide 37► TopTop► http://www.google.com/images?http://www.google.com/images?

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► http://www.google.com/images?http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:mm6_KykdzD3BZM::www.tapirback.com/q=tbn:mm6_KykdzD3BZM::www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/gifts/friends/reptiles/cobra-snake-plastic-tapirgal/gifts/friends/reptiles/cobra-snake-plastic-f450.jpg&h=94&w=128&usg=__wVhO0KXki58ef0s2f450.jpg&h=94&w=128&usg=__wVhO0KXki58ef0s2vmQ_iDLvKG4=vmQ_iDLvKG4=

► Slide 50Slide 50► MiddleMiddle► http://www.snakecult8.com/snakepics/http://www.snakecult8.com/snakepics/

serpcross.jpgserpcross.jpg► The picture on Left is Lord Krishna; the one on the The picture on Left is Lord Krishna; the one on the

right is Lord Shiva. Both are Hindu Godsright is Lord Shiva. Both are Hindu Gods► Slide 53Slide 53► RightRight► http://www.google.com/images?http://www.google.com/images?

q=tbn:7Cfxwkt0jvvZaM::www.languageinindia.com/q=tbn:7Cfxwkt0jvvZaM::www.languageinindia.com/oct2007/oct2007/nagaworship.jpg&h=94&w=81&usg=__uSGjXlKqNrvjnagaworship.jpg&h=94&w=81&usg=__uSGjXlKqNrvj6wLOoUu9OJBKEPs=6wLOoUu9OJBKEPs=

► LeftLeft► http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:G1t53gimy-http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:G1t53gimy-

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► Slide 55Slide 55► Top: Top: ► http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/

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Naga3.jpg/250px-Naga3.jpgNaga3.jpg/250px-Naga3.jpg

► Slide 61Slide 61► RightRight► http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:BnxzdLHNB-http://www.google.com/images?q=tbn:BnxzdLHNB-

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► LeftLeft► http://www.google.com/images?http://www.google.com/images?

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► Slide 68Slide 68► http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1555/http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1555/

PreviewComp/SuperStock_1555R-55037.jpgPreviewComp/SuperStock_1555R-55037.jpg► Slide 69Slide 69► http://www.tees2greens.com/photos/forum_post_photos/http://www.tees2greens.com/photos/forum_post_photos/

images/3065/original.aspximages/3065/original.aspx► Slide 70: Slide 70:

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► OthersOthers► www.fotosearch.comwww.fotosearch.com


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About this PresentationAbout this Presentation I have chosen this topic for it is highly relevant in today’s context of I have chosen this topic for it is highly relevant in today’s context of

the need to conserve snakes.the need to conserve snakes. The objective of the presentation is a simplistic overview of the The objective of the presentation is a simplistic overview of the

essential facts about snakes so that the audience understands and essential facts about snakes so that the audience understands and appreciates the uniqueness and goodwill of snakes. This a appreciates the uniqueness and goodwill of snakes. This a compilation of existing literature on snakes.compilation of existing literature on snakes.

It is hoped that the presentation will kindle in the minds of the It is hoped that the presentation will kindle in the minds of the audience an interest to know more about snakes and an urge to audience an interest to know more about snakes and an urge to desist from torturing them desist from torturing them


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Embrace and Enliven the World Embrace and Enliven the World of Snakesof Snakes

Snakes

Education

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human beings

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